The mighty Vahana of Vishnu, Garuda is an exalted presence in the Hindu culture of Nepal, where his shrines and statue in Darbaar square are the focus of reverence for the devotees of the great preserver god.
In the Hindu literary tradition, Garuda is often depicted as an arch-rival of serpents or Nagas, drawing on which this statue from Nepal depicts Garuda in a vigorous mood, with his large wings flapping in the air as he holds his enemy- a Naga in his sharp beak.
The form of Garuda is divided into half-human, and half-bird, with his torso having a Kubera-like rounded belly and his wings and legs delineated with feathers.
The countenance of Garuda, with three animated eyes, horns, and a fiery halo inspires awe in the onlooker, giving the composition an enlivened and ferocious aura.
Standing on a pedestal that recreates the uneven terrain of Nepal Valley, Garuda in this statue appears as the celestial guardian of the people.
An Emblem of Divine Power and Protection
This magnificent copper sculpture, exquisitely gilded with 24-karat gold, captures the awe-inspiring form of Garuda, the celestial king of birds and the divine mount of Lord Vishnu. Hailing from the skilled artisans of Nepal, this artwork transcends mere decoration; it is a tangible representation of divine might, protection, and the eternal struggle against malevolence. The intricate detailing, from the magnificent spread of its golden wings to the fierce yet noble expression on its face, speaks of a profound understanding of the spiritual significance of this powerful deity.Mythological Resonance and Cultural Significance
In Hindu mythology, Garuda is revered as the sworn enemy of snakes and a symbol of victory over obstacles. His birth is a remarkable tale, stemming from the curse of Kadru, the mother of serpents, and the desire of Vinata, his mother, to free herself from slavery. Garuda's strength and speed were legendary, allowing him to snatch nectar from the heavens, a feat that ultimately led to the freedom of his mother and his own esteemed position as Vishnu's vahana. He is often depicted with a proud, eagle-like visage, powerful talons, and a body adorned with scales, representing his formidable nature. This sculpture embodies these very attributes, presenting a potent symbol of vigilance and an unyielding force against negativity.Artistic Craftsmanship and Enduring Beauty
The craftsmanship evident in this sculpture is truly exceptional. The base copper has been meticulously shaped and then lavished with a layer of pure 24-karat gold, imbuing the piece with a radiant, timeless glow. The golden sheen accentuates the powerful musculature, the sharp contours of the beak and claws, and the textured rendering of the feathers and scales. The vibrant accents on the head and tail add a dynamic visual appeal, hinting at the fiery spirit and boundless energy of Garuda. Each element has been carefully rendered to convey the essence of this divine being, making it a captivating centerpiece for any sacred space or collection. This sculpture is not just an object of art but a conduit to ancient narratives and spiritual devotion.How are Nepalese copper statues made?
Nepalese statues and sculptures are best known for their unique
small religious figures and ritual paraphernalia for over two
thousand years. These are mainly cast in copper alloy. Nepal draws
influences from the artistic styles of Buddhism and Hinduism, and
therefore the sculptors of the country specialize in making the
icons of both these religions. Over the years, Nepalese sculptures
evolved into their own distinctive iconography. Some
characteristic features of these sculptures that differ from other
pieces are exaggerated physical postures, youthful and sensual
features, languid eyes, wider faces having serene expressions, and
ornate flourishes. The Buddhist deity icons of Nepal have
tremendous demand in countries such as China and Tibet for ritual
purposes in their temples and monasteries.
Nepalese statues and sculptures have a high copper content and
therefore develop a slightly reddish patina on the surface as they
age. However, the most unique feature of Nepalese copper statues
is their decorative detailing. The pieces are heavily gilded and
sometimes inlaid with semi-precious stones. This embellishment
protects them from getting tarnished. The traditional lost-wax
method for casting Nepalese copper statues remains the most
practiced technique in Nepal for many centuries. This process
involves many steps and requires skilled artists.
The first step in lost-wax sculpting is to make a wax replica of
the desired Buddhist deity to be cast in copper. This replica is
created by hand and therefore needs excellent artistic skills
otherwise fine features will be lacking.
Once the wax replica is made, it is then coated with a special
mixture of clay with a brush. This layer of clay is hardened when
left to dry. A small hole is made on the base of the wax mould so
that the wax flows away when it is heated.
At this stage, a hollow mould in the shape of the deity is
obtained.
This is the time to pour liquid copper into the hollow mould which
is then allowed to cool and harden inside a container of cold
water. When the liquid metal has hardened, the mould is removed
and the statue within is revealed.
The artist works on the details of the statue using various tools.
It is then polished to get a shiny and lustrous surface.
Now comes the most important part of Nepalese art which is gold
gilding. This is done by the traditional fire gilding method. A
mixture of mercury and 18K gold is applied on the surface of the
statue and heat is applied using a flame torch. The result is that
mercury evaporates along with impurities, leaving a pure 24K gold
finish.
The lost-wax method of sculpting is the most preferred technique
for artists to cast a metallic statue having intricate details.
Since Nepalese copper sculptures require extraneous effort for
giving a majestic look by adding special embellishments, it takes
several weeks to complete one masterpiece. A 24K gold gilded
copper sculpture retains its brilliant luster for many years and
appears as like before. Nepalese sculptures continue to remain one of the finest specimens of the art of the East that have a strong
aesthetic appeal that other sculptures cannot match.
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